Wuxi Itinerary 10 Days: A Journey Through the Pearl of Taihu Lake (2026)

Upon your arrival at Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX), take a taxi or the airport shuttle to your hotel in the Binhu District, an area renowned for its stunning lakeside scenery. After checking in, begin your Wuxi adventure with a visit to Liyuan Garden, a classic garden built on the shore of Lihu Lake. It is famous for its waterside pavilions, long corridors, and the romantic story of Fan Li and Xi Shi. Spend a couple of hours exploring its rockeries, bridges, and halls. In the late afternoon, head to the famous Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle), the most scenic spot on Taihu Lake. It's especially magical during sunset. For dinner, indulge in authentic Wuxi cuisine at Hong Xing Restaurant (红杏酒家), known for its traditional dishes like Wuxi pork ribs and soup dumplings. A relaxing evening stroll along the lake's shore will be a perfect end to your first day.

Today is dedicated to exploring the spiritual heart of Wuxi. Take a bus or taxi to the Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Spot, a massive complex that houses the magnificent 88-meter-tall Lingshan Grand Buddha. Take the elevator up to the Buddha's feet for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Don't miss the Nine Dragons Bathing the Sakyamuni performance, a spectacular water and light show. Explore the opulent Brahma Palace, a stunning example of Buddhist art and architecture. In the afternoon, make your way to the nearby Nianhua Bay, a Zen-inspired town with beautiful Tang-dynasty style architecture, tranquil gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere. For dinner, enjoy a vegetarian meal at one of the restaurants in Nianhua Bay. In the evening, the town is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.

Step back in time with a visit to Huishan Old Town, a well-preserved ancient town with a history of over 4,000 years. Wander through its narrow alleyways, admire the traditional architecture, and explore the numerous ancestral halls that line the streets. The town is also famous for its Huishan clay figurines, a local handicraft. Don't miss the opportunity to try some local snacks from the street vendors. In the afternoon, visit Jichang Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden located at the foot of Huishan Hill. It is renowned for its borrowed scenery design, which incorporates the natural landscape into the garden's composition. The garden's tranquil atmosphere and exquisite design have inspired emperors and poets for centuries. For dinner, head to the area around Nanchan Temple and try some of the local delicacies at the night market.

Today, you'll explore the cultural heart of Wuxi. Start your day with a visit to the Wuxi Museum, which houses a rich collection of artifacts that showcase the city's history and culture. The museum has exhibits on everything from ancient pottery to modern art. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Grand Canal, the longest canal in the world. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the city, passing by old houses, traditional workshops, and bustling markets. Disembark at Nanchan Temple, a Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,500 years. Explore the temple and the surrounding market, which is a great place to buy souvenirs and try local street food. For dinner, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants along the canal.

Immerse yourself in the world of ancient Chinese history with a visit to the Three Kingdoms City, a massive film set built for the CCTV television series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." The city is a faithful recreation of a Han Dynasty city, with palaces, temples, and streets that will transport you back in time. You can watch live performances of famous scenes from the series, such as the Battle of Red Cliffs. Explore the city on foot or take a ride on a vintage tram. In the afternoon, visit the adjacent Shuihu City, another film set that was built for the series "The Water Margin." For dinner, enjoy a themed banquet at one of the restaurants in the Three Kingdoms City.

Today, take a day trip to Yixing, a county-level city under the administration of Wuxi, famous for its vast bamboo forests and purple clay pottery. Take a high-speed train from Wuxi to Yixing, which takes about 30 minutes. From the station, take a taxi or bus to the Yixing Bamboo Sea, a breathtaking expanse of bamboo groves. Hike through the forest, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. You can also take a cable car to the top of a hill for a panoramic view of the bamboo sea. In the afternoon, visit the Yixing Ceramics Museum to learn about the history and art of purple clay pottery, a local specialty. You can even try your hand at making your own pottery at one of the workshops. For dinner, enjoy a meal in Yixing before taking the train back to Wuxi.

Today is a day for appreciating the beauty of Wuxi's gardens. Start your day with a visit to the Plum Garden, one of the most famous gardens in the Jiangnan region for admiring plum blossoms. The garden has over 5,000 plum trees of various species, which create a stunning sea of pink and white when they are in full bloom. The best time to visit is from late January to late March. In the afternoon, revisit Liyuan Garden, this time to explore it in more detail. Take a boat ride on the lake, wander through the pavilions and corridors, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. For dinner, try a different local restaurant in the Binhu District.

After several days of exploring Wuxi's historical and natural attractions, it's time to experience the modern side of the city. Start your day with a visit to the Wuxi Grand Theatre, a stunning modern architectural masterpiece. Take a guided tour of the theatre to learn about its design and construction. In the afternoon, head to the city center for some shopping. The area around Zhongshan Road is a major commercial hub, with a wide range of shops, department stores, and malls. You can find everything from international brands to local products. For dinner, explore the many dining options in the city center.

On your last full day in Wuxi, delve into the city's intellectual history with a visit to the Donglin Academy, a renowned center of learning during the Ming Dynasty. The academy was a gathering place for scholars who were known for their integrity and their criticism of the government. Explore the academy's halls, courtyards, and library, and learn about its important role in Chinese history. In the afternoon, take a final stroll through the city, perhaps revisiting one of your favorite spots or exploring a new neighborhood. For your farewell dinner, treat yourself to a special meal at one of Wuxi's top-rated restaurants, such as Sanfengqiao Restaurant (三凤桥), which is famous for its traditional Wuxi cuisine.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Wuxi before heading to the airport for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Take with you the memories of Wuxi's beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food.